10 Frequently Asked Questions about River Cruising

1.????I have stayed in hotels but what is a river ship like?

The experience is like staying in a boutique hotel.

You will have a fantastic place to stay in locations that often beat local hotels. Take in a 360-degree view from the open top deck. The beautiful ships often have an outdoor swimming pool, spa facilities and a gym. Some have activities such as putting and giant chess.

On a river cruise, you will settle into a cabin and unpack, knowing that you can now relax, without having to pack, move your luggage, wait to check in and then settle into another room. River cruise is a great option for city and town hopping. You are not just booking a room with a view, but a room with an ever-changing view.

2.????Is river cruising relaxing?

Yes, there is something very calming about rivers. The water passing gently as the ship glides along. With the landscape constantly changing around you, there is always plenty to look at. You can take time out on the shore, to discover the local cultural highlights, or relax onboard and enjoy all the amenities the ship has to offer.

3.????Which rivers can I travel on?

Destinations include many European rivers -the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Douro, Danube, Rhone and Seine and others. Further afield, you could choose the Amazon in Brazil, the Yangtze and Li rivers of China, the Nile through Egypt or Mekong in Vietnam. Steamboats cruise several rivers in the USA, including the Mississippi and Columbia. River cruising is an excellent way to travel and see the world.

4.????Where will the ships dock?

A great advantage of river cruising is that you will dock in or near the centre of the city or town.?River cruise ships are small enough to reach many interesting destinations. When you wake up each morning, you open the curtains and see somewhere completely different. Each day is a new adventure.

5.????How big are the ships?

The size of these river cruise ships is also a great reason to choose them. They’re big enough that you’ll don’t feel motion sickness and that they can offer you some great facilities like a gym, spa and outdoor pool. But they are also small enough that they feel intimate, with most ships carrying only around 100 to 150 passengers.?And with the ships having about 50 staff on board, you get fantastic and friendly service as well.

6.????What is included?

The majority of your food and drink is paid for, as well as the excursions. Any extras can be added to your room tab in a similar way to a hotel. I can guide you through the details for different river cruise companies. Some include absolutely everything.

7.????What else is there to do?

As well as the onboard facilities such as the spa and pool, some river cruises have a wellness leader who runs classes including morning yoga. Many ships carry bikes that can be used to explore the local area.

Entertainment in the evenings can range from quiz nights to cocktail making demonstrations to a performance by a skilled local musician. The style is informal and there is always the option of an evening drink from the deck bar too.

8.????What are the dining arrangements?

Dining is always a highlight and several cruise lines are known for their outstanding cuisine. You may even be offered the opportunity to join the chef’s table.

River cruise ships have one or two restaurants and dining can be flexible or timed. You can choose to sit at a small table with just your party or join other guests. All food is served at your table.

9.????Do I have to fly to the embarkation point?

It is sometimes possible to travel to the embarkation point via train with all transfers arranged and avoid the airport stress. No-fly options are becoming increasingly popular.

10.??Which River Cruise line is best?

From the amazing five star, all-inclusive, luxury experience of Scenic, Uniworld and AmaWaterways to the four-star hotel style of A-Rosa and CroisiEurope, there are a wide number of river cruise lines to choose from. There are multiple cabin choices available too, including spacious suites. Many cabins have a Juliette balcony with full height glass doors floods light into the room.

?

I love helping people find the perfect river cruise. Please send me your questions and I will be happy to answer.